DNA test confirms body, skeletal remains belong to Ika and Juvina

One of the two skeletal remains found during the search for the missing seven Orang Asli pupils in Pos Tohoi, Gua Musang early this month, has been confirmed as belonging to seven-year-old Juvina David and one of the two bodies, is of nine-year-old Ika Ayel.

Kelantan Police chief Datuk Mazlan Lazim said it was confirmed through a DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) test conducted by Chemistry Department's chemist Nor Aidora Saedon on specimens taken from the skeletal remains and the body.

"The specimen taken from the body confirmed that it is Ika, the biological daughter of Nora Tegau and Ayel Ajeb.

"And the specimen from the skeletal remains confirmed that it is indeed Juvina, the biological daughter of Shela Omar and David Kuasan," he told a press conference on the DNA test results at the Kelantan Police Contingent headquarters here today.

He said the results for the DNA test on another body and skeletal remains, also found during the search, were expected to be known next week.

The seven pupils of SK Tohoi went missing in the thick jungle after they escaped from the school's hostel for fear of punishment after they went for a swim in a river without permission on Aug 23.

They were Juvina, Ika, Linda Rosli, 8; Sasa Sobrie, 8; Haikal Yaakob, 8; Norieen Yaakob, 10; and Miksudiari Aluj, 11.

Miksudiari and Norieen were found safe after the search operation entered the 48th day. The search and rescue team also found two bodies and two skeletal remains of children.

Mazlan said efforts were being intensified and the search area had also been expanded from Sungai Perias in Pos Tohoi to Sungai Neggiri in Gua Musang to find one more pupil who was still unaccounted for.

He said police would also try to record statement on the incident from Miksudiari and Norieen, who are currently receiving treatment at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital here.

In Gua Musang, fathers of Ika and Juvina told Bernama that they accepted the results of the DNA test with an open heart and were awaiting approval from the police to claim the bodies for burial.

Ika's father, Ayel Ajed, 48, said he had been able to identify his daughter immediately after her body was found by the search and rescue team, but had to wait a while before claiming the body.

"I wanted to make the claim earlier, but we have to adhere to the regulations and wait for the DNA test for confirmation," he said.

Meanwhile, Juvina's father, David Kuasan, 32, said although deeply saddened by the tragedy that had befallen his precious daughter, he accepted it with an open heart.

"My love for her will never die," he said.